Tourek Williams Scouting Report: NFL Outlook for Florida International DE

When someone plays for a small school, they are generally more likely to be under the radar. When it comes to the NFL draft, a prospect from the Sun Belt is not going to get quite as many looks.

There are exceptions, such as the case with DeMarcus Ware, but for a defensive end like FIU's Tourek Williams, he will end up lucky if he is drafted. Should he be drafted, perhaps even higher than the seventh round? This scouting report will take a look at that.

Strengths

Williams is quite athletic for a defensive end, and his speed and agility should easily translate to the NFL. He is able to pass rush easily, getting around the tackle and going after the quarterback. His motor in these situations is good.

His lateral quickness is just as good as his agility, and can make plays off the side if needed. He's also versatile enough that, if needed, he may be able to move to linebacker in the NFL, though he fits better as a defensive end.

Weaknesses

Williams did not exactly face tough competition in the Sun Belt, and the leap to NFL may be overwhelming. He does not have a lot of range, since his hands and arms are not that big.

Perhaps most importantly, while he is a good pass-rusher, he struggles stopping the run or dropping into coverage. Especially if there is a draw play, if he has to change direction and modify how he plays, it is not easy for him to make the adjustment.

Tools

While Williams had a poor 40-yard time at the combine, he improved on that big time at his pro day with a 4.71 time, showing off his agility, 25 reps on the bench press and a 33" vertical leap were good numbers as well.

While a 9'4" broad jump is not overly impressive, it was about in the middle of what all the defensive linemen did in the combine, and he beat out many with his numbers projected to go much higher.

Intangibles

Williams has had no legal issues or major injury history to worry about. Williams gave an interview to B/R here that sums up what kind of person he is, definitely one of great character, which is a big plus.

System

At Florida International, Williams was used mostly as a 4-3 defensive end right up on the line of scrimmage. He was occasionally asked to drop into coverage from that role, but it was not often.

Pass Rush

Pass rushing is Williams's strong suit. He had a good number of sacks at FIU this past season, but more importantly he is able to pressure the QB into throwing quicker by getting to him quickly.

A more mobile quarterback may be able to move past him and run to the outside, but he has a strong enough motor that he is at least able to give chase so another can make a play.

Against the Run

When Williams has to shift and make a play to stop the run, he can make that change if he sees it quick enough. However, there are also times where he does pause if he isn't charging the line and has to drop back to make a play.

Suffice to say, taking down running backs is something he will have to work on in the NFL. He can do it, but his mindset is about going after the quarterback first and foremost unless he's in coverage, and he will need to be able to make that shift mentally a lot quicker than he does.

Tackling

Like pass-rushing, tackling is something Williams needs to work on at the next level. Being unable to fully wrap up the quarterback cost him a sack or two at FIU, and that will add up in the NFL big time.

He's not a bad tackler, but he does use his whole body to make a play and bring an offensive player down, which works fine unless they are barely in your grasp. In those cases, it would not be difficult for them to get past Williams.

Use of Hands

Williams does not seem to have any problems using his hands in plays on the line. He has good placement against offensive linemen, and is able to push them off the line. He can also get his hands up to deflect a pass if it's in his area.

He tackles more with his body than with his hands, so they don't come into play when trying to wrap someone up as often as they should.

Future Role/Versatility

In the NFL, Williams is best as a 4-3 defensive end. Because of his ability to pass rush and his versatility, however, he could be used as a situational 3-4 outside linebacker as well. Personally, I think he would be best as a hybrid player, playing mainly at DE while gradually working in some LB experience as well.

In either case, he would only be situational for now, since he will need some adjusting to the NFL. Williams is also athletic enough that he could play on special teams if needed as one of the bigger guys up front making tackles.

Draft Projection

Williams is projected as an end-of-the-draft prospect or undrafted free agent. I see him as a seventh rounder. He has a good enough motor and versatility to warrant a draft selection, and could end up growing enough to stay in the league quite a few years.

If he wants to make an impact though, he has to work on being able to bring players down who aren't offensive linemen or quarterbacks, since it makes him a bit one-dimensional.